Parent Brag Sheets for Counselor Recommendations

College Sharks: Brag Sheet = Bragging Rights

When it comes to college admissions, the Brag Sheet isn’t just another form—it’s your student’s chance to shine. Think of it as the highlight reel that powers up their college recommendation letters.

Here’s the deal: most high school counselors are juggling massive caseloads (sometimes 500+ students each!). They simply don’t have the time to know every student deeply. That’s where the Brag Sheet comes in. It gives them the details, stories, and context they need to write strong, personal recommendations.

👉 But remember: every school has its own process. Some require their own version of a Brag Sheet, others use forms inside Naviance, Scoir, or their own portals. Work within the parameters your school provides—don’t skip steps or assume one size fits all.

College Sharks Tips for Brag Sheet Success

• Be Brief. Be Bright. Be Positive. Counselors don’t have time for novels. Give them short, powerful insights.

• No Negative Nelly Vibes. Focus on growth and strengths, not shortcomings.

• Think Anecdotes, Not Resumes. Share stories that bring your student to life, not just a list of activities.

Common Brag Sheet Questions (and How to Tackle Them Like a Pro)

• Growth & Maturity: Did your student push through tougher classes, step up at home, or learn to self-advocate? Growth outside the classroom counts, too.

• Biggest Accomplishments: Don’t just say “student council.” Tell the story behind it—like running a positive campaign or starting a new initiative.

• Descriptive Words: Pick terms that show depth and range. Think: resilient, innovative, empathetic—not just “hard-working.”

• Challenges: Share context if your student faced something significant. Skip generic COVID complaints unless there’s a unique impact.

• The Extras: Volunteer work, leadership on teams, hidden strengths like humility or loyalty—this is the spot to highlight the things colleges won’t see on a transcript.

Why This Matters

Admissions officers rely on counselor recommendations to get the “real” story behind the grades and test scores. The Brag Sheet gives your counselor the material to make your student’s application stand out.

Bottom line: Give them great raw material, stay within your school’s system, and keep it short but powerful.

College Sharks Advantage

We get it—college apps are stressful. That’s why Annapolis College Consulting offers help for every family, from free consults to our affordable  College Sharks program ($59/month, 14-day free trial). Whether you need full-service coaching or just structured guidance, we’ve got you.

📍 New office in North Carolina www.collegesharks.com
💡 No one should pay full price for college.